Regional Rugby Wales (RRW) believes that the review and discussion on the future success of the regional rugby structure in Wales is healthy and that no stone should be left unturned to find the right solutions.
RRW which represents the Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Newport Gwent Dragons and Scarlets says that all options must be examined and considered to find the best way forward for rugby in Wales.
Head of Regional Rugby Wales, Stuart Gallacher said: “We know that all four regions have a huge role to play in the successful development of the game and investment in our young rugby talent in Wales; the current success of the national squad is testimony to that.
“The regions continue to play an important role in development for the national game. The bank of expertise and experience that the regions collectively give our game is immense, and their investment in providing opportunities for up-and-coming Welsh players to test themselves in top-flight rugby is widely-recognised, respected and valued.
“Four healthy, financially sustainable rugby regions are a positive for game in Wales. We also realise that in any complex business situation, you cannot presume any one solution is the right one - there has to be a detailed examination of all options and opinions and that’s underway at present.
“We don’t have the final solution as yet –that is what the discussions and reviews are for and it’s important that we explore this fully and not pre-judge an independent process.”
Gallacher said the regions were positive about the current review and were part of the process in deciding how to take it forward.
“We’ve been in discussions with the WRU over recent months on the need to take the time to get the right model for Welsh rugby going forward; we agree that we should use all the best resources available to us, especially structured financial analysis and objective-thinking from outside the game.
“What is positive is there is an open spirit of co-operation and cohesion between the WRU and the regions in finding those solutions as well as a strong partnership between the four regions themselves, to bring in stringent new initiatives to ensure they remain financially sustainable.
“We all know the tough economic climate we are operating within, and that’s not easing – and there are challenges for all businesses in Wales currently and regional rugby does not operate outside that.
“However, it’s important that we leave no stone unturned and carefully consider every option open to us to achieve the best position going forward.
“It is only fair to the many thousands of loyal supporters of the Blues, Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons, that we consider every option open to us to find a structure that improves on the successful delivery of the regional game, whilst improving the elements that need to be in place to deliver sustainability.
“If we at any level close doors before we start, then we won’t reach the best solution.”
Stuart Gallacher added that a successful national team was supported by a regional structure that is working.
“For 27 years before the implementation of structured development pathways and establishment of Regional Rugby there were no Grand Slams for Wales.
“Since the establishment of the regions, Wales has won 2 Grand Slams, World Rugby Sevens, was the talk of last year's Rugby World Cup and with the regional sides winning silverware in Europe and the Anglo Welsh competitions as well as regular Celtic League top spots and play-offs.
“Of course, in the most difficult business environment for many years, with all our customers affected by reduced disposable income - the game in Wales , both professional and amateur has many challenges ahead,” said Gallacher.
“As we all follow the Six Nations Championship that represents one of the pinnacles of the game, we should reflect on the aspects of Welsh rugby that are not just working, but the envy of many other rugby countries.”
